The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched their spots in the 2025 NBA Finals, setting up an unexpected and thrilling matchup. Here are three key points to understand about this exciting series:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton: This Finals features a captivating duel between two of the league’s premier point guards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP winner, is a versatile scoring machine, averaging 32.7 points per game during the regular season. His playoff performance has been stellar, with averages of 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton has been equally impressive, showcasing his playmaking skills with averages of 19 points, 6 assists, and 10 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Their contrasting styles promise an intriguing battle.
Indiana’s Offense vs. Oklahoma City’s Defense: The Pacers are known for their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, averaging 117 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. However, they will face a formidable challenge in the Thunder’s defense, which held opponents to just 104.7 points per 100 possessions during the regular season—the best in the NBA. Oklahoma City’s relentless pressure and defensive stars like Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren will test Indiana’s ability to maintain their offensive efficiency.
Battle of the Small Markets: This Finals showcases two teams from smaller media markets—Indianapolis and Oklahoma City. Despite the smaller markets, both teams have built sustainable winners through strategic drafting, smart trades, and key acquisitions. The Pacers’ path to the Finals included trading Paul George for assets that eventually led to Tyrese Haliburton, while the Thunder’s rebuild centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and drafting talents like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. This series highlights the diverse paths to success in the NBA, even for teams outside the major markets.